Hey guys!

So in case you haven't seen online already, last Sunday, June 16th I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to head to London to be part of the European premiere of Toy Story 4. I had an absolutely incredible day walking the red carpet, seeing some famous faces and seeing Buzz, Woody and Bo Peep, but more than that I was able to see the film in full before it hits UK cinemas on Friday!

So I decided I would take the opportunity to share my thoughts with you all, as always I'll do my best to keep things spoiler free, but if you do want to know anything more in depth you can always contact me on my social media accounts!

It's been 9 years since Toy Story 3 graced the silver screen and I'm sure I'm not the only one who has spent at least some of this time wondering how Woody and the gang are enjoying life with Bonnie in their new home, Toy Story 4 not only answers these questions in the most perfect way, but it also ties up a few loose ends from earlier on in the franchise. The film starts with a brief recap of how our heroes ended up with Bonnie and pays particular attention to the fate of Bo Peep who never made it to Sunnyside day care during the 3rd installment. All of our favourite friends are thriving in their new life with Bonnie and are surprised when Bonnie brings home a new friend from her first day at school.

Meet Forky, Yes, he is a spork, but he's called Forky so that's just a hurdle you're going to have to get over pretty quickly, voiced by Tony Hale this lovable utensil turned toy is the stand out character of the film. He's quirky, annoying and yet some how absolutely adorable in equal parts and I can honestly say I love him. An honorable mention must also go out to the rest of the new toys, Gabby gabby, Combat Carl, Ducky & Bunny, Giggle McDimples and of course, Canada's hero, Duke Caboom all of which really do a stellar job and only serve to enhance the existing cast.

I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this film, I know as a life long Pixar fan a lot of people will say this is not unexpected and perhaps my views are in some way skewed or biased towards Pixar productions and though that may in some way be an unconscious bias on my part, I was one of the people who was quietly apprehensive about this film. The ending of Toy Story 3 seemed to many to be pretty conclusive, we'd followed the toys on their journey through Andy's childhood, and successfully helped him grow until it was time to leave for college, handing the toy's over to Bonnie felt like the perfect ending. So what could come next that would somehow match the level of story telling? I was wrong. The fourth installment is the true ending of the franchise, it answered questions left over from the other films and it brought the story to an emotional, but poignant close. Though I would never oppose seeing more from my favourite toys, especially if the quality stays this high, I do feel like this was the swan song, I would genuinely be very surprised if we ever got another feature length film for this franchise.

The plot was simple, and perhaps a little bit predictable in places, but it didn't matter, it didn't need to be the next work of Shakespeare, it didn't need to re invent the wheel, it was heartwarming and authentic and that's all that any of the fans could have asked for. The new characters brought some new dimensions to the film, Forky's relationship with Woody was a pleasure to watch and the comedic partnership of Ducky and Bunny added a lot of real comedy moments which I enjoyed. I felt the character development of Gabby Gabby to be really fascinating, and ended up liking her far more than I expected to going into the screening, I look forward to adding her to my Funko collection in the coming months.

I was able to see the film 5 days early at the European Premiere at the Odeon in London's iconic Leicester Square, I'd like to extend a huge, huge thank you to Elliot for inviting me and offering me a ticket! The day was really enjoyable, from walking the red carpet, to seeing Bo Peep, Woody and Buzz in the cinema Lobby, and finally to seeing Tom Hanks, Producers Andrew Stanton and Jonas Rivera and Director Josh Cooley who got up on stage before the film to welcome us and tell us a bit about how the 4th installment came to life.

It was clear that everyone involved with the production was so very proud of what they had created, and I can honestly say they deserve to be proud of what they've made possible, the film was an absolute joy if not a slightly emotional ride and will become an instant classic appreciated by not only it's original fans but also the new generations who will get to experience Bonnie's years in the way we grew with Andy.

Toy Story 4 releases in UK cinemas this Friday June 21st, I cannot recommend going to see it strongly enough!

Have you seen it yet? What did you enjoy most? Drop me a comment, but no spoilers!

Hoodsie xx

Hey guys!

So I guess it all comes down to this, the endgame. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) burst on to the silver screen in May 2008 when Jon Favreau introduced Iron Man to the world, since then a further 20 films have expanded this universe, giving us the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy and a whole load of adventures. Endgame has no easy job, trying to tie up the previous 21 films into one final plotline, it's 3 hour run time is used brilliantly by the Russo brothers to bring together our heroes for one last time.

Pic credit: @thedlpgeek twitter

I'm going to try my best to keep this review spoiler free, however, I will be referencing other films from the MCU, so apologies if you've missed any of these and I divulge something you didn't want to know!

Avengers: Endgame starts after the events of Infinity War, when we last saw our heroes they had just lost the battle to stop Thanos from gaining access to all 5 stones, which allowed him to finish his plan to wipe out 50% of all life in the galaxy. Not all of the Avengers survived, so the story now focuses on those who were left behind, the original team of Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Black Widow, Thor and Hawkeye are reunited as well as Ant-Man, Rocket, Nebula, War Machine and Captain Marcel. Together they try to find a way to avenge their fallen comrades and put an end to Thanos and his trail of destruction.

Honestly, this film surpassed all of my expectations, the daunting 3 hour run time actually flew by, the pacing was perfect and there was a mix of slower moments to break up the faster-paced action scenes. There were emotional parts, and there were funny moments, the film just felt balanced. I have watched most of the previous movies leading up to this point, but I will be totally honest and say I did miss a few. Personally, I didn't find this made a huge hindrance to my understanding of the film, but I would try to go in with as much understanding of the series to date as possible as this will only enhance your experience.

Despite these characters having developed right in front of us over the last 10 years, I was surprised how much personal growth we got to go through with the original Avengers in this final instalment. No-one is ever a finished product, each character has their own flaws which make them easy to relate to and have us rooting for them even when the odds seem hopeless. Endgame does a wonderful job of completing some of these story arcs, being able to look back to where our heroes began their journey and seeing them finally flourish into their best form.

Though I can't really criticize any of the cast for their role in this movie, for me the two stand out performances were Karen Gillan as Nebula and Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow. Both played a variety of scenes with such emotion and depth that I was truly drawn into their characters individual plights, I felt their emotions and I felt 100% invested in them throughout the film. I would have liked to have seen a lot more of Brie Larson as Captain Marvel and also the wonderful Bradley Cooper as Rocket, thought the MCU as we know it has come to a close, I hope there is more in the future for them.

Visually, the film is stunning, I have only seen it in 2D so far, but as it was filmed entirely with IMAX digital cameras, so I would love to see it in this format at some point. I will say, the film deserves the cinema screen treatment! The colours are fantastic, the special effects are seamless, the bigger scenes are a visual treat.

Pic credit: @thedlpgeek twitter

The film is however the only film in the series other than The Incredible Hulk not to have a mid or end credits scene, though on one hand, I do feel like the film was well and truly wrapped up, this is something that feels like a tradition and feels like it was put there for the fans as much as the story and it does feel weird for there not to be one.

Overall I really enjoyed this movie, the 3 hour conclusion takes you on one heck of an emotional ride from start to finish, I strongly believe this is the final chapter that a series that has been as popular and successful as the MCU deserves. If the film doesn't perform well during the next awards season I would be truly shocked and disappointed.

Have you seen Endgame? Did you enjoy it? Drop me a comment, but please, no spoilers!

Hoodsie

Hey Guys,

Something a little different today, I hope you all enjoy it just as much though!

As the 2019 edition of Run Disney at Disneyland Paris creeps ever closer my mind is already in full-on training mode, and I can imagine I'm not the only one. Training can, however, be a little boring at times, long runs, bad weather and having to run alone are some of the main things that make it hard for me to get off the sofa. Then I found virtual races, and suddenly I have the ultimate running mojo boost tool to hand.

So what is a virtual race? Simple, you commit online to walk jog or run a set distance within a certain time frame. You pay your money to enter and then it's up to you to go out and cover the miles within the set date range. It doesn't matter if you do this out and about or on a treadmill in the gym, the most important part is that you cover the distance and that you get proof. Once you've completed your distance and have your proof ready you can submit it online, if it all checks out your reward is a shiny new medal which arrives in the post a few days later!

And how do I provide proof? This can be either a photo of the treadmill at the end of your session showing total distance covered, a screenshot of your result online from say park run or if you're out running in your local area you can track it on a mobile app such as Strava, Fitbit or Run Keeper and take a screenshot of your logged exercise, the most important thing is that the total distance is visible and meets or exceeds the distance required for whichever event you've committed to.

Now some people don't agree with the idea of virtual races, I often get asked if I feel like I've bought the medal as it's a training run I would have been doing anyway and not a "real" event/race. Though I can understand that viewpoint, no, I don't feel like I've earned it any less than someone who has run the same distance at an official race. 5 km is the same distance no matter whether you walk, jog or run it, so I don't see why I should be any less proud of it because it's a training run!

I often find where I live there can be a lack of races over the winter months and this is usually when my motivation takes a nose dive! It's cold, dark and wet and frankly, snuggling up under a fluffy blanket and watching trashy TV with a chocolate bar to hand does sound a LOT more appealing than going and running in all weathers. This is where I have found virtual races to be invaluable, more than anything they have given me that last extra push to get up and get out, and I almost always feel better for doing it, no matter how cliche that sounds. I have completed 4 virtual races since October 2018 after the Run Disney weekend, but I already have 2 more paid for ready for the next couple of months and a few more that I have my eye on too, it has really changed my training over the winter months and I honestly already feel the benefit of staying motivated and moving.

So what I wanted to share with you guys today are a few virtual races that are Disney inspired that you guys might want to sign up for.

I have in no way been sponsored or paid to advertise these, and will not receive anything additional if you guys do sign up, but I thought I'd share what I've been enjoying with you! 

Spot a race you like? Links below each picture to be taken through to the sign-up page! Please check you meet all eligibility criteria etc.

April:

Run Through Adversity - Medal Mad

May: 

Glass Slipper - Medal Mad         Once Upon a Run - Medal Mad          Run Like a Beast - Medal Mad

Run Like It's Midnight - Medal Mad       Mirror Mirror - Medal Mad

Maximum Effort 10 km - Pow!

June:

You've got a friend - Medal Mad       Hakuna Matata - Medal Mad

Don't Be A Fool - Medal Mad           You Can Do It - Medal Mad

Once Upon A Pow - Pow!

July:

All You Need Is Pixie Dust - Medal Mad      Live Your Dream - Medal Mad

Heart of the Ocean - Pow!     You've Got a Friend - Pow!

August:

The Gauntlet - Medal Mad       The Jungle Miles - Medal Mad

Run the Gauntlet - Pow!

October:

Poisoned Apple Challenge - Pow!       Nightmare Challenge - Pow!

As you can see there's a huge amount of races out there, and this is just from 2 websites! Hopefully, these will be as useful and successful in inspiring you guys as they have been for me. Which will you be signing up for? Or perhaps you've found some I haven't seen, drop me a link!

Hoodsie xx

 

Hey guys!

So this is actually something I've done before, back in March last year I posted my wishlist for merchandise that's available in other Disney parks that I wanted to see come to Disneyland Paris. Well, it was pretty successful, you guys seemed to really enjoy it and it sparked a lot of conversation on my social media, but not only that, here we are 10 months later and some of the items I wrote about are now available in Paris! Now, of course, I don't take any credit for it, but it was fun to see which things came to fruition.

So here's my updated list for 2019, once again this is just my personal view of what I've seen on sale elsewhere that I would buy if it came to Paris, I'd love to hear your ideas too, who knows, maybe someone from the merch team is watching!

5. Pet items.

Pets are like family right? So when I go on holiday and have to leave my fur baby at home, I'd at least like to be able to treat him and bring something back for him. Though Paris does sell a few items for our four-legged friends, the range is quite inferior when compared to what is available just across the pond! The US Disney parks have everything from bowls, leads and collars to toys, beds and even outfits for your fur baby! I'm pretty sure Charlie is going to get spoiled rotten when I go to WDW in November, the squeaky Mickey Waffle doggy toy is top of his wish list.

Pictures are taken from Shop Disney US


4. Ride/Land specific merch.

Like a few of the other things on this list, it's not that Paris doesn't have anything that is ride or land specific, it's just what they do have is so limited, and nowhere near the quality offered by other parks. In Disneyland Paris, I might be able to pick up an attraction pin (though half the set are now not restocked and the set doesn't include all attractions) or perhaps a t-shirt for some of the rides. Comparing that to the other parks it's easy to feel like we drew the short straw, Disneyland Resort and WDW have ride specific Spirit Jerseys, Haunted Mansion in WDW has its own shop selling ride specific stuff. You can grab salt and pepper shakers themed to the bins of each land, monorail highlighters and socks. And if all of that wasn't enough how about a whole line of merch just based on the Yeti from Expedition Everest? Most of us have a favourite ride, so it's not unrealistic to imagine we'd spend our hard earned money on pretty much anything that helps us rep our favourite!

                         

Pictures from Pennie K and David at Disney


3. Plush Pass holders.

I can't be 100% in which park they originated, but I first became aware of these when I started looking at what the Asian parks had to offer, why wear a fairly boring lanyard when you can have a super cute plush around your neck instead?! These come in a variety of different designs featuring some of our favourite characters and also some interesting takes on park food, Mickey burger pass holder anyone? I actually have a Stella Lou one of these which I bought on eBay (yes I know it's probably fake and I'm ok with it) and I'm so glad I got one. Not only are they super cute and give me yet another way of showing off my love for the super cute ballet bunny but they're surprisingly practical, it has a card sized pouch on the back where I can put my AP, my Photopass and any fast passes I might have, but it also has a bigger zip up pocket on the back so I can pop in some cash and a bank card for quick purchases. I still carry a park bag and do pop my pass holder inside when I'm on bigger rides, but I love having such easy access to the things I need to grab most often and I'm confident these would sell well in Paris.

2. Park Exclusive Funko Pops.

Maybe it's only me who has an unhealthy obsession with Funko Pops, but given their popularity in both the UK and the US, I feel like it's unlikely that I'm on my own with my love of these giant headed cartoon style collectables. Made by toy company Funko pops have become increasingly popular in the 3 years I've been collecting them. Different pops are made to represent everything from your favourite films and TV shows to sports teams, musicians, and even the royal family! So it's no surprise that Disney is firmly in on the action, what is perhaps a little more surprising is that despite having a number of park exclusive pop figures in the US parks, Paris doesn't seem to have any. I have been lucky enough to get one of the park exclusive models, which is this Figment pop that was introduced to commemorate Epcot's 35th birthday in 2017, this isn't the only exclusive figure either with a Tiki Room 2 pack available, as well as an impressive Splash Mountain pop rides model to mention just a few. I'm willing to put my money on these being incredibly popular (excuse the pun) if they ever make it to Paris, if nothing else, I know I would probably bankrupt myself buying them all.

1. AP Holder Merch

Ok so DLP did dip their toes ever so slightly into this one in 2018, but to nowhere near the same scale as their US counterparts. In Paris we got a pin, some T-shirts, 2 lanyards and a mug, all featured the very basic pass holder or Infinity logos, not only were the designs very very basic (and in my opinion not very nice) but the items were available to everyone regardless of them being or not being a pass holder. This meant the items sold out quickly and didn't have the exclusive feel. In the US pass holders can pick up a lot more merchandise, some are available all year round such as the magnet, and some are seasonal or for specific events. For example at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party, pass holders can pick up an exclusive T-shirt and Pin both with a different design to the main event T-shirt and Pin.

                       

Pictures from Pennie K and David at Disney


So that's my list for now, what about you? Is there something I've mentioned you agree with, or something I've missed off? Drop me a comment below!

Hoodsie xx

Hi Guys!

With 2018 over it's easy to look back over what has happened in the last 12 months, the trips we've made, the things we've experienced and the people we've shared all of it with. But it's not just a time for looking back, as the new year begins I, like many others no doubt, find myself looking forward to 2019 and all the new adventures it will bring.

In particular, I am of course talking about Disney adventures, I have my big trip across the pond in November, but before that there's so much I'm looking forward to that are a little closer to home. Disneyland Paris has announced their main seasons and some of their key events for 2019 already, so take a seat as I sift through all the news to pick out the bits I am most excited for.

In no particular order ... 

The return of the festival of pirates and princesses.

This gem of a season was the unexpected people's favourite of 2018, replacing the much-loved swing into spring celebration. Pirates and princesses exploded on to the scene in a flash mob of bright colours and dance-offs. It truly caught the heart of guests who picked their side last spring, so much so that in June at Fandaze Catherine Powell promised fans it would return for 2019. This year the season has a much earlier time slot of January - March, and I'm looking forward to banishing the January blues with the catchy soundtrack and some of my favourite Neverland friends.

Magical Pride.

This is being held on Saturday June first in the Walt Disney Studios park and will be a hard ticketed event. I imagine this is going to be similar to things like the annual pass holder nights and will include access to attractions, character meet and greets as well as entertainment throughout the evening. A special parade is also being put on for the event as well as things like photo locations. Tickets are already on sale with a standard ticket for an adult coming in at £78.28 and a plus ticket selling for £95.87 on DLP's official website.

Annual Pass holder nights.

Kicking off in March 2018 Disneyland Paris offered its annual pass holders a new way to enjoy the parks with the introduction of AP nights. These themed events were available exclusively to varying tiers of pass holders and were sold as hard ticket events. In total 2018 saw 4 AP nights, each with its own theme, that allowed guests access to a quieter park with special character meets, shows and parades. These proved so popular that they have been renewed for 2019 with 1 event planned per quarter. During 2018 I only managed to attend 1 AP night which was the Marvel night, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and hope that I am able to make it to at least 1 event this year. The first has already been announced as Pirates and Princesses and will take place on March 22nd!

Run Disney.

Or magical run weekend or whatever other name they've given it this year! Yes it's not new for 2019, and yes it's something I've done before, but I'm still really excited about it. This year will be the 4th annual run weekend at Disneyland Paris, from humble beginnings of just kids race a 5km and a half marathon, the event has since grown to include a 10 km race and 31 & 36 km challenges too. This is probably one of my favourite weekends of the year, sure it's tough both physically and mentally, it's exhausting and can be just a little bit stressful. But when its all over I just feel an immense amount of pride that I've managed to do it. I love running through the parks and the surrounding countryside, I love seeing everyone's' super creative costumes and most of all I love meeting all the rare and unusual characters! This year more than ever I'm determined to be the best I can be in time for the half marathon, so this definitely won't be the last you hear about it from me!

The Walt Disney Studios Expansion.

I know what you're about to say, there won't be much, if anything, physical to see from the expansion in 2019. Well, probably not. But that said I am so excited for everything about this expansion and if nothing else, I'm willing to bet 2019 is going to be full of news, rumours, concept art and planning permission docs for us to pour over in an unhealthy amount of detail. I'm looking forward to seeing galaxy's Edge open in both Florida and California, giving us a glimpse of what we might expect in our version, finding out more about planned attractions and shows for Arrendelle. Basically, the expansion is one to watch in 2019.

The re-opening of Phantom Manor.

Ok, this is a tough one because as it stands, we don't actually know when the manor will open its doors again. It closed in January 2018 for a full refurbishment and since then its reopening date has been pushed back a few times. We don't know a huge amount of detail about the refurbishment, but with the main gardens outside having now re-opened, we can hope the official opening day isn't too far away. We know so far that the Vincent Price audio for the stretching room is due to return, we have been given some teaser images from DLP, which you can see below, that show the bride has a bigger presence in the re-imagined ride, and we can see from the gardens some sort of Fast pass functionality has been added. Hopefully, the manor will be welcoming guests again soon and I for one, can't wait for more happy haunts in the town of Thunder Mesa.

My First stay at Davy Crockett Ranch.

So yes, this one is a bit self-serving, but hey - it's my list! Starting the year off the right way my first DLP trip is all booked up for the end of January, and as well as welcoming in the new year with a dose of both the festival of pirates and princesses in the main park and the legend of the force in the studios, this trip also marks my first stay at the Davy Crockett Ranch. This is my 6th Disneyland Paris hotel that I've stayed in and leaves only the Disneyland Hotel itself on my list to try. DCR is self-drive accommodation and is made up of individual forest bungalows and has a wood cabin feel to it, it's a hotel I've wanted to try for ages, but being self-drive makes it slightly less accessible perhaps than the other hotels. Having conquered my fears of driving in France, it seemed inevitable that a stay here was on the cards and I'm so glad it is finally happening.

So that's my list, what about you? Is there something you're looking forward to that's on my list, or something you're excited for I haven't included? Drop me a comment below!

Hoodsie xx

Hi guys!

Well, the big day is looming ever closer, and now that I've got most of the shopping and wrapping out of the way it's time to start thinking about relaxing and enjoying the big day and time with my family. For many families, nothing sums up Christmas more than sitting down together to watch a film, but with so many channels and so much on, where do you even start?

I've taken on the task of sifting through the listings to find all the Disney gems so that you can set the recorder and settle with the popcorn without doing any of the legwork - you're welcome.

Please note, I'm a one girl operation, I've covered the main channels for the main few festive days. If you see anything scheduled to be on that I've missed, please drop me a comment and I'll happily add it in!

Christmas Eve

7:15 am - Tinkerbell and the Secret of the Wings BBC 2

This 2012 animation was our introduction to Tink's friend Periwinkle, its the 4th film in the Tinkerbell series and at 75 mins running time is great for those with a shorter attention span. It's been a while since I've watched this one, but sadly I'll be at work when it's on, I can almost guarantee my niece will be watching though.

13:20 pm - Monsters University BBC 2

Following the 2001 Pixar smash Monsters Inc,  Monsters University is actually a prequel that tells the story of how Mike and Sulley met and eventually became best friends and work partners. The 2013 film is the 14th feature-length production from Pixar and is rated 79% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, it has a run time of 95 mins.

14:55 pm - Zootropolis BBC 1

The 55th animated classic Zootropolis is the story of Judy Hopps, a small Bunny with a big dream! Personally I really really enjoyed this film, it performed well in the box office, won an Oscar and the characters are very popular in the parks. The film is suitable for all ages and, like many Disney classics, has a strong moral message within its story. The characters are lovable and the music is catchy and if nothing else, its 108 mins you won't regret.

17:00 pm - Mary Poppins BBC 1

I don't suppose there's much I need to say here, this 1964 movie is a classic, not only that it's a firm family favourite and is often on during the festive season. With the new film opening in cinemas just a few days before on the 21st I imagine there will be a renewed interest in the original this year. I can't think of any better way to have a chilled evening than snuggled up on the sofa watching Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke making magic!

Christmas Day

6:25 AM - Tinkerbell and the legend of the Never Beast BBC 2

For early risers BBC 2 kicks off the big day with the final instalment in the Tinkerbell films, Legend of the Never Beast was released in 2014 and is my favourite from the series, with a running time of just 76 mins you'll have plenty of time after for swapping presents once the rest of the family are awake.

13:30 pm - The Good Dinosaur BBC 1

After a break for presents and Christmas dinner, you can settle back on the sofa and switch over to BBC 1 for Pixar's Good Dinosaur. Not my favourite film but I can't deny how incredible some of the artwork and animation is and it's a nice easy film to settle into without too much concentration, perfect for a post-lunch breather! It has a running time of 93 mins you'll also be finished in time for the next film to start.

15:10 pm - Jungle Book BBC1

This brings us to the point where hard decisions need to be made, until this point it's been possible to catch each film without overlap, if you decide to stay on BBC 1 you can watch the 2016 live-action adaptation of the Jungle Book. This is a film that has divided opinions, but at the very least it's worth checking out to make up your own mind, or if you don't fancy it, I've got some other options for you.

16:00 pm - The Muppet Christmas Carol Channel 4

A Christmas classic, Kermit and the gang take on the Charles Dickens' masterpiece a Christmas carol. Despite it being released in 1992, I hadn't seen this film until last year and now I wonder how I went through so many Christmases without it!

16:00 pm - Monsters Inc ITV

If you're going to watch Monsters University on Christmas Eve, why not go for the double and catch up with Mike and Sulley again, this time with the adorable Boo! this is the final film choice of the big day and still leaves time for a few Turkey sandwiches and a game of Monopoly afterwards too!

Boxing Day

10:30 am - The Princess and the Frog BBC 1

It's a slightly later start on Boxing day which is perfect for catching up on missed sleep from all the festivities, but a later start is no less impressive, Princess and the Frog the 4-time Oscar nominated 2009 animated film gives us a taste of the good old fashioned 2D animation that started it all. I love this film, the message, the characters, the music. It's a great feel-good film and a brilliant start to another festive day.

14:05 pm - 101 Dalmatians (Live action) 5Star

This is the 1996 live-action version, starring Glenn Close as the spine-chilling Cruella De Ville. This is actually one of the first few films I remember watching at

the cinema and began a huge obsession with dalmatians for me, the following Christmas I can remember all of my gifts being Dalmatian themed, so though it's perhaps not considered a classic/typical Christmas flick, it certainly has strong Christmas connections with me.

14:30 pm - Saving Mr Banks BBC 2

If 101 spotty dogs aren't your thing then fear not! Skip over to BBC 2 and let Tom Hanks wind down the festivities with Saving Mr Banks. Released in 2013 this is the story of Walt Disney's quest to get the rights to make the Mary Poppins film from the somewhat difficult author PL Travers who is played by Emma Thompson. With Mary Poppins returns out in cinemas, and the original Mary Poppins on Christmas Eve, I have no doubt this is how we will finish off Boxing day in my house.

So that's what I've found on the TV this Christmas, have you found anything I haven't spotted? What will you be watching at your house?

However you celebrate it, I hope you all have a great Christmas, and I look forward to everything 2019 holds.

Hoodsie xxx

Hey guys,

It's that time of year again! The trees are going up, the fairy lights are sparkling in every window, our electricity bills are through the roof and our bank balances are lower than ever before, I think it's called Christmas?

Jokes aside, anyone who knows me well will know I'm a little bit like Buddy the elf and Christmas, to me at least, truly is the most wonderful time of the year. So how do you take something so perfect and make it even better? You add Disney of course! I've been lucky enough to take 3 Christmas season trips to Disneyland Paris over the last few years and each time it manages to make my favourite season just that extra bit more magical. Sadly, this year a Christmas trip was just out of reach for me. So in a blogmas style, I thought I'd take a walk down memory lane and go through some of my favourite seasonal things at Disneyland Paris.

5. Snow.

Dreaming of a white Christmas? Not all of us channel our inner Elsa, and though I much prefer the cooler temperatures I'd be lying if I said the cold didn't bother me. Snow is beautiful, magical and gives me those dreamy Christmas vibes, but it's also cold, wet and after a day or two it's just a general nuisance. Enter "snoap", all the joy and wonder of snow, with none of the temperature related hassle! Snoap falls daily on Main Street, and twinned with the adorable festive soundtrack ringing from every speaker its the perfect start to your happiest of holidays! Even better is when it falls during the parade and cavalcades, like being in an idyllic Christmas card scene.

4. Decorations.

If you've been to my Grotto house in December, you'll know when it comes to Christmas, I'm no minimalist. I love the colours, the sparkle, anything with Santa's face on and those adorable singing plush animals are taking over the house one room at a time. Disneyland Paris doesn't disappoint on the decorations front. The hotels, the village and both of the parks embrace the season, with sparkling garlands, plump trees and more lights than Blackpool there's no shortage of eye-catching displays to fall in love with. The Disneyland elves do an incredible job of decorating and will leave even the grinchiest of guest with that warm festive glow.

3. Mickeys Christmas Big Band.

Christmas wouldn't be the same without music and once again Disney have got you covered. This show was new for 2017 and though I was extremely sceptical at first, I now wonder how we went so long without it! I won't go into a huge amount of detail about the show, firstly because not everyone has seen it and I don't want to spoil it, and secondly because I wrote about it last year which you can find here. But it's back this year and it's bigger and better than ever, it held me completely captivated from start to finish and I wish there was a non-festive version that could be shown all year round!

2. Christmas outfits.

Now I don't mean for myself, though I like to think I have an impressive winter wardrobe! As a character fan/hunter meeting as many characters as possible each trip is what makes me tick. But meeting characters in seasonal outfits? That's the icing on the cake. Now I know this could be a rather controversial thing this year due to the characters being out in their 25th blue and silver again rather than their red and green Christmas outfits. But when they are out in the classic red and green, you can bet I'm getting in that character line. I also love the special outfits for the seasonal stage shows, especially some of the outfits from Goofy's Incredible Christmas in the studios park.

1. The Christmas Cavalcade.

It's got music, costumes, incredible floats, an appearance from jolly old St Nick himself and most important of all, Duffy Bear! The Christmas cavalcade is the total icing on the cake moment of my Christmas trip! It's a chance to see less common characters like Horace, Clarabelle, Max and the 3 little pigs as well as Mickey and the gang, the floats seem to get bigger and better every year and the dancers really make the show. The song changed in 2017 and has pretty much been stuck in my head ever since. It's on a couple of times a day every day from November until early January and as soon as that music starts and the floats wind their way from Fantasyland to Main street my heart feels happy and I know I'm where I'm meant to be. If you haven't seen it, you can check it out thanks to DLRPFans on YouTube.

So that's what I'm missing most this December, what about you? If there's something you're missing, or something you're really loving, drop me a comment and let me know!

Hoodsie xxx